n8 COCCYGES: Cuckoos, etc. 



COCCYGES: A remarkable group imitating in shape and 

 general appearance birds of various other Orders. North 

 American representatives are limited to about a dozen species, 

 of three families. 



ROAD-RUNNER 



(385. Geococcyx californianus) 22-24 in. 



Feathers of upper parts brown centrally, edged with buffy or 

 gray; head crested; tail long, white-tipped. Plumage very lax and 

 coarse throughout. 



A most remarkable bird, amazingly swift on foot, and usually 

 seeking escape by running rather than by flight. Nests in 

 cactus or thorny trees. Feeds on large insects, mice, small birds, 

 and lizards. 



CALIFORNIA CUCKOO 



(387a. Coccyzus americanus occidentalis) 12 in. 

 Whole upper parts lustrous olive brown; silky white below; 

 tail long, white-tipped. A very slender bird, sedate in habit. Its 

 sweeping flight is distinctive. Hairy caterpillars appear to form 

 a considerable part of the Cuckoo's diet. Locally called "rain 

 crow," from its dolorous call which is said to portend rain. 

 Unlike the European species the American Cuckoos build nests 

 and incubate their eggs. 



FAMILY KINGFISHERS, etc. 



Alcedinidae : Birds of unusually distinguished appearance, 

 unique in the large head and bill. 



BELTED KINGFISHER 



(390. Ceryle alcyon alcyon) 13 in. 



A bird of striking appearance, its clean, slaty blue of upper 

 parts contrasted with snowy white below; a heavy bill, and large 

 head with high, ragged crest. Sexes differ in the female having 

 sides rusty, this frequently extending across lower breast in an 

 imperfect band. 



Call: A wild, free " rattle." Feeds upon small fish. Nests in 

 holes in high earth banks, usually along streams. 



